1931-D Saint-Gaudens Twenty, MS63+One of the Great Prizes in the Series

1931-D $20 MS63+ PCGS Secure. Mintmarked Saint-Gaudens
twenties in the 1920s and 1930s were hit especially hard by
meltings in the mid-1930s. The 1931-D had a mintage of 106,500
pieces, not a large mintage but one that should be sufficient for
most collectors to afford an example--that is if most were not
melted. But the 1931-D, like the 1930-S, was heavily melted. One
indication of how thoroughly the issue was eradicated is the
absence of circulated examples. To date (7/10) only three coins
have been certified in circulated grades, one AU50 and two AU58s
(one at each major service). In mint condition the 1931-D is far
from plentiful also. PCGS and NGC have certified a total of 133
pieces in MS60 to two pieces in MS66. Once resubmissions are
factored out there are probably no more than 100 individual coins
extant.
Whether the 1931-D encountered is frosty or satiny, eye appeal is a
constant when one sees an example. This coin has lovely mint frost
that has an overlay of incredible reddish-golden color. The
combination of luster and color undoubtedly explain the +
designation from PCGS. The striking definition is strong except in
two areas: Liberty's nose and the center of the eagle's breast.
Abrasions are remarkably few for an MS63, the only one of note is a
cluster to the right of the head of Liberty. Even though a hoard of
15-20 pieces entered the market more than 20 years ago, the 1931-D
is one of the great prizes in the Saint-Gaudens series and one of
the keys to the late-dates in the series.(Registry
values: N7079) (NGC ID# 26GP, PCGS# 9193)

The Coinage of Augustus Saint-Gaudens is an issue-by-issue examination of these two artistically inspired series of gold coins.
Each date and mintmark is reviewed with up-to-date information, much of which has never been previously published. The book is based on
two extraordinary collections: The Phillip H. Morse collection and the Dr. and Mrs. Steven L. Duckor collection.